Spooky Horse Eye Problems? The 127 Detailed Answer

Moon blindness, an inflammatory eye condition, was historically named for its misperceived association with the phases of the moon. We now know that moon blindness has nothing to do with the moon and can recur over the course of weeks or months. It causes pain and discoloration of the eye, and affected horses are very sensitive to bright sunlight. Some horse breeds appear to be more susceptible than others – Appaloosas in particular. Because this condition is progressive and can cause blindness, owners should seek veterinary attention as soon as symptoms appear.

What is moon blindness?

Technically known as equine recurrent uveitis (ERU), moon blindness is generally considered to be an autoimmune disease characterized by recurrent inflammatory episodes in one or both eyes. It is the leading cause of blindness in horses.

Moon blindness symptoms

Moon blindness symptoms affect one or both eyes. A horse will be reluctant to be in bright sunlight and will show signs of pain or irritation that antibiotic treatment will not relieve.

symptoms inflammation

redness of the eye area

Cloudy or white discoloration of the eye

tear (pour)

squinting

blindness

Some horses with moon blindness may experience recurrent inflammation followed by relatively painless periods. Others experience constant low-level inflammation. Owners may initially attribute redness, tearing, and squinting to an environmental irritant or an eye infection, but measures to treat these conditions have little effect on moon blindness.

Moon blindness is considered relapsing because it appears to resolve and then spontaneously recurs. In some horses, recurrence can occur over years, or flare-ups can occur much more frequently, with episodes appearing within weeks or even days.

Left untreated, moon blindness can lead to cataract formation or prolonged inflammation, both of which are likely to lead to permanent blindness.

Causes of moon blindness

There are several possible causes of moon blindness, although there is likely a genetic predisposition to autoimmunity underlying external triggers, which may include:

Bacteria (leptospirosis)

vitamin deficiency

physical injuries

equine flu

Tooth and hoof abscesses

Deworming medication

Appaloosas and German Warmbloods are two breeds that appear to be particularly prone to moon blindness due to hereditary factors.

Diagnosis of moon blindness in horses

To diagnose moon blindness, your veterinarian will consider the horse’s recent eye health history. Recurring episodes of inflammation indicate moon blindness and help rule out other eye problems. In addition, your veterinarian will perform extensive eye exams, including fluorescein staining, to determine the condition of the cornea and retina.

treatment of moon blindness

Treatment options for moon blindness include steroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and mydriatics for inflammation and pain. During acute moon blindness it is important to protect your horse from bright light either with a mask or by keeping him indoors.

Any time this condition recurs, you must resume treatment. Frequent flare-ups may prompt some horse owners to resort to euthanasia. If only one eye is affected, the eye can be removed. Surgery to implant a drug-laden disc in the eye seems promising but is not yet common practice.

Prognosis for horses with moon blindness

Unfortunately, there is no cure for moon blindness, but early treatment can help slow the progression of the disease. More than half of the horses that develop moon blindness eventually go blind.

How to prevent moon blindness

Little can be done to prevent moon blindness, but good nutrition, a clean environment, fly control, and attentive grooming will help your horse be as healthy as possible. If you notice eye inflammation or discharge, call your veterinarian so treatment can be started promptly if needed.

While instinct, bloodlines, and breed mean that some horses are inherently scarier than others, most horses that come to Halcyon Acres are nervous and nervous due to fear. You have been asked for too much too soon, treated with impatience and intolerance, not encouraged to develop confidence, or treated by a frightened person. Usually, the younger the horse, the easier it is to reduce or eliminate spooky behavior, but horses of all ages can be reassured and encouraged to try new experiences.

Try listening instead of training

A fair amount of literature is now being released (and even more DVDs – much higher profit margins) claiming that all you have to do to stop a horse from worrying is with objects, sounds, contact and Flood Lessons So by making him “desensitized” you have a “bombproof” horse. It doesn’t normally work that way, but if you manage to create a steed that’s unshakable as a result, he’s probably also mindless now, since he was taught to suppress his mind.

If you learn to read your horse instead, he’ll tell you everything you need to know to help him address his concerns. It’s not about coercion, repetition, one-sided respect, quick tricks or formula systems – it’s about understanding. Every horse is different. You must allow yourself the freedom to learn vicariously. Let your horse participate in the decisions you make about activities and boundaries by letting go enough to “get into his head.” Most creepy horses have little faith in themselves and no faith in their rider/handler. Give them a chance to shine with unwavering trust and your support, and you’ll be amazed at how brave your heartless horse becomes.

Get on the floor

Most fearful horses (and this is really the crux of a creepy horse’s behavior) learned from a young age to distrust people who failed to get them out of their way. While not always necessary, there are distinct benefits to returning to groundwork when you’re making an effort to undo the damage. Horse body language is tremendous (both ways) and it’s much harder to “talk” to your horse when you’re on your back if you haven’t established good communication out of the saddle. The same goes for what you tell the horse – if he can see your whole body, he’ll have a much easier time gathering information about what you want. Just make sure you understand well what he’s trying to tell you and state clearly what you’re asking.

The round pen is not the best place for this duration. It’s a good tool for early lessons (mostly for you) when you’re looking for a place to hold the horse in close proximity and watch your body movements, positions, eye contact, behavior and desires evolve affect the horse. It’s also a decent way to get an idea of ​​what might be troubling your horse and take small steps to ease his concerns. However, resist the temptation to use this area for exercise or intense training. Keep it short, light, fun, informative, and a stepping stone to really embarking on meaningful connections.

Spending time with your horse in the stable, in the pasture, on long leashes, exploring around the property and beyond with a halter and lead rope, and observing your horse without disturbing them are more productive ways to build relationship and insight to win than to force it around a 20 meter circle. Get creative and listen to your horse for ways to make him eager, excited, and confident about your activities together. This is a foundation that rebuilds the confidence and security of a creepy horse.

Oh, and if your horse is scared of an obstacle you encounter while riding, consider jumping off his back to be the first to not show fear or damage in passing. There’s no shame in making a new challenge more enjoyable.

be the rock

If you’re nervous, tense, or unnerved, you can’t help a creepy horse. Either learn to let go of those feelings when you’re around that horse, or get someone else to help you (and stay out of it until the horse makes progress). Sure, it’s hard to sit on a horse that’s a notorious stallion without tensing up, shortening the reins, tipping forward, and conveying concern. But the fact of the matter is that the extra excitement will worry your horse more and encourage a spook he may not have thought of. No matter how close your hands are to his ears, he will still do it; Leaning forward and tensing increases the likelihood of being dropped. When you give the horse its head to explore; Relax; recline; and calm down, he’s less likely to react and you’re better able to move above his center of balance (and be comfortable with yours) to stay with him when he does.

The same goes for ground work. If you can’t be confident, calm, consistent, and trustworthy when handling or working around your horse, he won’t learn to trust you to protect him.

Don’t push your horse to “jack up”

Ghostly horses are afraid. Getting rough or demanding with them will only increase their concern. Give them time and encouragement to be cautious about scary things. Pulling out the whip, chain, spurs, or temper will only create more fear and less trust in you. If you think beating a horse across water when you first come across a creek will make you happy to cross it next time, think again.

Anyone looking for a teacher of the importance of patience and understanding should experience a horse like Buster. He was already an “old soul” when we put him under saddle at the age of three. His wisdom shone through from day one. He was imperturbable but cautious. The funny thing about Buster was that he would do anything you asked, as long as you respected his need for the time (and headroom) to oversee the situation. One day (he had only been under saddle for about eight days) we faced an obstacle course before the trailhead that would have tripped an experienced horse. Contractors had scattered insulation, lumber, packaging, vehicles, tools, saw benches, and all manner of debris, requiring us to walk about 20 feet down a narrow, winding path. Holding the reins by the buckle and giving him the two minutes he wanted to survey the situation and choose a path proved sufficient response to his needs for him to proceed on his own, without prompting or direction. The problem with Buster was that if you put too much pressure on him to tackle a new sight or obstacle, he would stop before he was ready. Keep it up and he would go into backup mode. That was Buster’s friendly way of saying “too much, too fast”. What a wonderful teacher he was! He has moved on (his career choice, not our imagined one for him) to an unexpected home that will likely keep him out of the limelight, but with a job that will be very rewarding for him and an owner who will more than appreciate him most. Keep us posted Sarah!

Help your horse become brave with a companion

The horse buddy system seems to be a standard for most today. It’s easier at first, but can cause problems later on as the horse learns to get its trust and direction from another horse instead of the rider. We came across a much better approach (animals can be so intuitive). Gatsby (our 90 pound mutt) provided an ideal solution. In the thirteen years he served as an assistant trainer on the farm, a horse was never herd-tied over a dog. For the boys just starting to learn how to deal with a rider on board, he’ll track them down until we hit a spot that alerts the horse. Then we ask him to take the lead and he escorts the horse through areas that you see as problematic. All the horses here get to know him during groundwork training (he makes an artful contribution here too) so they learn to trust him before we hit the trails.

If you are dealing with an older horse that is scary, having an experienced and confident horse leash is better than starting on your own. The more you can make driving experiences fun and non-threatening, the better. You can wean him out of company over time, but old habits are hard to break and you will feel safer and gain more confidence if you let another horse lead the way while you begin to nurture your horse and yourself calm.

Do without the formula horse approaches

Ghostly horses are usually taught this. To undo the damage, you need to get personal. This cannot be done with routine lessons that are planned in advance and applied to all cases. If you are not willing to adapt an approach to your horse’s stated needs, you will not build a trusting, confident, and mutually respectful relationship. You may be able to get him to switch off and put his brain in an absent state to escape the stress, but it won’t result in a happy partner to grow with. The reward you get from being open to a communication process that includes the horse will be tremendous if you have the desire and patience to go there. We hope you do!

Do you have a story to tell about a spooky horse? An issue you are currently facing and need guidance on? Do you have questions about working with your horse? Please comment below.

The nights are officially getting darker… we know it sucks! With the changing of the seasons and the prospect of bringing your horse in overnight, we need to think about what to feed our horses for the winter.

It’s pretty much taken for granted now that we all try to avoid high sugar and high starch diets to avoid forage making our horses goofy. Science tells us it works, and in many cases it does!

But what if we feed low starch/sugar and still struggle with stupid behavior?

The third element that, in our experience, owners need to be aware of is the extra magnesium content in their horse’s feed.

Why?

The more magnesium you take in, the more it builds up in the body (Hintz & Schryver, 1973 did some super interesting research showing this, see this article for a detailed graph). Magnesium also has the ability to calm and impair (hence injectable magnesium is on the RDI Controlled Substances List). An Australian study also found that as little as 2.5g of magnesium taken orally can have effects similar to the sedative ACP (Sedalin).

In our experience, horses on a high magnesium diet can be overly spooky, agitated/anxious, unable to cope with new situations or under pressure, and sometimes explosive. This is due to the sedative and debilitating effects of magnesium, which impairs their ability to properly understand situations, assess risks, and generally go about life more logically.

We’re not saying it’s a miracle cure (although it has been a miracle cure for some horses!) – but if you feel like you’re doing everything right and your horse is still a wally, the next step is to up magnesium levels check the diet… before you go out and buy a “sedative” that’s probably just going to have more magnesium if it’s not Cool, Calm & Collected!

Low sugar, low starch AND low magnesium.

Do you want to know how much magnesium is in your horse’s diet?

Contact us for a FREE Diet Assessment!

10 Lies About Horses You Shouldn’t Believe – by Don Jessop

1. Never look a horse in the eye

This common misconception stems from a very basic and ancient notion that horses are prey animals and for that reason cannot tolerate the peering eyes of a predator. Many beginner trainers and some more advanced trainers adhere to this principle. But they are misguided. You are only a predator if you intend to eat what you are looking at. Horses can easily distinguish between a predator looking for food and a predator looking curious and puzzled. However, horses have trouble understanding the intent of a person who hides their eyes. When you hide your gaze, you often appear sneaky or suspicious. This might be a good strategy for an aggressive dog, but it can have a negative effect on a horse. It doesn’t always have a negative effect, but it can, and that’s something to be aware of.

There is one exception to the “don’t look your horse in the eye” theory: This exception occurs when you first encounter an extremely fearful and shy horse. It’s useful to drop your gaze and energy in those first moments, to show absolutely no body language that could be misconstrued as predatory. But after just a few brief moments, you can lift your gaze and begin to form a genuine connection with curiosity and wonder emanating from your heart, your mind, and your eyes. I’ve never met a horse I couldn’t look into the eyes and share my heart in moments and I’ve met tens of thousands of horses now. It’s your intention that counts, not your eyes, ears, mouth, arms, or feet.

2. Kick to go

With every rule there is an exception, so there may well be times when pressing your heels against your horse isn’t enough and you have to kick your horse to get an answer. This exception is usually in the event of an emergency, e.g. B. when a horse gets stuck in the middle of the road when a car approaches. But in almost all other cases, you shouldn’t be kicking to walk. Simply because it is not elegant! Mastery horsemanship uses techniques that are elegant.

Training a horse to go from a simple, soft, gentle push from the heels or even from the calf muscles is far more elegant. Horses learn to do whatever you repeat and reward, so you can decide what signals to use to ask to leave. Kicking to go is a signal, yes, but it is not desirable for the horse or anyone watching you ride. To prove this point, I want you to look at an old Western film where the actor moves the horse and then compare that to the film Quigley Down Under with Tom Selleck. Watch as he tells his horse to go. Tom hired and was trained by a master for this film. I happen to know because this master (Pat Parelli) was my own teacher for almost fifteen years. I have been fortunate to work and live with Pat and Linda for many years and they will agree. Master Trainers do not train their horse by kicking it.

3. Pull until it stops

The same principle applies here. We were taught a lie that you should pull the reins to stop your horse. The reality is that you will have to pull the reins initially, especially when training young horses, but if you have mastery in mind you will discover that there are other, more elegant ways of stopping your horse. For example, my horse will stop if I slow my breathing and sink slightly in the saddle. Watch a reining performance trainer come to a full gallop and never lift the reins. It is wonderful. It’s elegant. It’s championship. You can also teach your horse to stop without pulling on the reins. In fact, you can decide which signal to use, as any signal will work. Believe it or not, kicking your horse can be a signal to get your horse to stop. I wouldn’t recommend it because it’s counterintuitive and not very elegant, but every signal supported and rewarded and repeated becomes part of your intimate language between you and your horse.

4. Show him who’s boss

Remember when I said there’s always an exception to the rule… this principle still applies. There may be times when you need to show your horse who’s in charge, especially in safety situations. But this concept of domineering alone is a big fat lie because you also need to bond with your horse and show him that you care about his experience more than anyone else on the planet.

I don’t even like the boss analogy when it comes to leadership. In my book, Leadership and Horses, I talk a lot about the models we use to describe our interactions with horses. My favorite model is the teacher-student/model or the parent/child model. These describe a loving, supportive, growth-oriented learning and leadership mode rather than the consequence and pressure model dictated by most boss/employee models.

5. You need a little driving

It’s okay to drive with a bit. But thinking you must have a bit of a drive isn’t accurate thinking…it’s old, militant thinking. In fact, bits were invented in the first place to ensure that any novice rider could hop on a horse and march into war with more control. Imagine you were a war general in centuries past, and imagine putting a dozen greenhorn riders on ill-trained horses that didn’t wear reins, and you’ll be able to follow horses’ reasoning who need dentures. But as with everything horsemanship, there are basic rules and advanced rules. The more advanced, masterful trainers know that you don’t need a bit to communicate with a horse. We no longer have to go to war on horseback, giving you more time to bond and bond and guide your horse to understand more elegant, subtle signals. Look on YouTube, type in the phrase “riding without a bit” and discover hundreds of videos (some good, some not so good) of people riding their horse bareback. When you observe other people… look for elegance and harmony. Those are the signals of the championship.

6. Bits are bad

That too is a lie. You don’t have to use a bit, true, but saying that bits are bad is also an unbalanced perspective typical of natural trainers. Humans are strange creatures. Once we learn one thing, we tend to only see that one thing and everything else is bad or stupid. Then one day we find out that the other thing wasn’t that bad and we switch sides completely. I see that every day. I see traditional riders entering the natural horsemanship industry and choosing to throw away all their past experiences as unhealthy or bad. Much can be learned from tradition and it would be foolish to “throw out the baby with the bathwater”, so to speak.

Bits have value. I don’t like them, I don’t usually use them, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have value. High performance trainers can use the bit as a tool to balance a horse in a complicated maneuver and wean the horse off this tool over time. Even low-performing drivers can benefit a little from it. This allows them to feel more confident in the beginning, then they can learn more advanced training modes over time. The idea behind this paragraph is that accepting a concept as pure truth can be detrimental to progress and communication. The key is to stay open to experience and to ask why someone would use a particular tool without judging that someone or that tool.

7. Horses know everything

In a recent post (one thing you should never do with horses), I describe how horses have the brains (cognitive awareness and emotional strength) of a four-year-old human child. It is an agile brain that quickly adapts to the environment. It’s a brain designed to sense and evade threats, but the horse’s brain’s level of concentration is very similar to that of a young child. Puzzles, detailed memory challenges, and processes often get lost in the context of “preservation-first” thinking. So if you’ve ever heard someone say, “My horse already knows that.” What they really want to say is, “My horse already did that.” But that doesn’t mean that the horse actually remembers the details of the exercise, the sequence of events where, following certain signals, something should happen next.

Whenever I hear someone say, “My horse knows that,” I often respond by asking them to immediately answer this question: What is 15 x 8 equal to? If they don’t respond right away, I jokingly reprimand them for not remembering something they’ve definitely encountered at some point in their lives, and then apologize because nobody likes to be embarrassed like that. Not even horses!

Remember to give your horse some time to process the details, even if they’ve been there before. Keep in mind that their distraction may be high, and while not new to you, there may be a new smell or small noise that triggers thoughts that prevent positive reactions. Don’t compound the problem by assuming your horse knows what to do, which will only lead to frustration and poor leadership.

8. Training a horse requires a professional

That’s like saying parenting requires a pro. Trust me, once you get started, you’ll become professional pretty quickly. I have now helped thousands of students achieve their dreams without sending their horse to a trainer. This is an important part of my business and also my life vision. Important to my business because a large part of my business is teaching people to train their own horses rather than sending the horse to a trainer for 60 days.

I have successfully helped people of all ages and physical abilities, even people in their 70’s, train their own horses with my home study and championship coaching courses.

This work is also important to my life vision because I believe there is an amazing leadership lesson to be learned from the challenge of horse training. My vision is to help horses have a great life around people, but it’s also to help people become the best version of themselves no matter what they choose in life.

Horses are a great vehicle to learn and test your own courage, control, discipline, kindness, communication and more. I believe that anyone who owns a horse should do all of the training themselves long term, even if it means postponing trail riding for a while. In the short term I think it’s wise to learn from a professional, take lessons, ensure you are confident in learning new skills and getting better at handling your horse, but the long term training should always be you!

9. Horses do not experience human emotions

This is perhaps the greatest of all lies. In fact, horses feel and experience every human emotion. They’re sad, they’re afraid of loss, they feel pain, they’re hungry, they feel tension when they need to pee but don’t have time, they’re excited and happy and playful. They feel anger and resentment. you feel everything! True master trainers know this. Science has proven that horses have the emotional and cognitive awareness of a four-year-old human. This kid may not know how to qualify or label an emotion, but you can bet they feel every single emotion on the spectrum. Some emotions come and go quickly, like an outburst of anger, but others persist due to the pressure of circumstances.

Knowing that horses sense all of our emotions can sometimes put people off riding horses, but it doesn’t have to. Horses can still benefit from the exercise and stimulus we offer them because one emotion they also experience is boredom. Imagine you were locked in a small cage as a four-year-old child. You would get bored pretty quickly. Master trainers work with the horse’s emotions to neutralize negative emotions and guide the horse towards calmer, happier emotions. It makes the journey exciting and enriching for horse and human when the trainer notices how horses actually feel about everything.

10. Horses like to be ridden.

That is only partly a lie. Many horses don’t like being ridden at all and only give in because they have to. This can be backed up with sound observational science. But for those special few horses who are lucky enough to have a great friend, leader and trainer like you, they can actually learn to love being ridden. This requires a level of mastery that few people know about, but you now have the opportunity to learn it, starting now! Take a chance with me and check out the Horse Mastery Group. It’s free to watch and it will change your horse’s life!

A watery, badly swollen eye is a sure sign that something is wrong, but eye problems in horses are not always so obvious. In fact, some of the more serious eye conditions, like uveitis, can only produce subtle signs that are easy to miss. One of the following points is cause for further investigation:

• photophobia. Bright light can be painful for a horse with inflammatory eye conditions such as uveitis. A horse that prefers to stay in the shade, especially at times of year when it doesn’t seek cool shade, may do so to protect a sore eye.

The center of the horse’s eye is usually pitch black and clear. A milky appearance may indicate cataracts are forming due to ongoing inflammation.

• Eyelashes pointing down. Horse eyelashes are typically aligned parallel to the ground or turned slightly upwards. If you notice that the lashes on one or both of your horse’s eyes are drooping, this may be an indication of slight swelling.

Click here to read how to protect your horse’s eyes from injury.

• Yellowing of the iris. Inflammation of the eye can cause the iris — the colored part of the eye that surrounds the pupil — to turn a yellowish tint. Blue eyes suddenly appear green and brown eyes take on an unusual tan color. Both changes are a reason to call your vet for an eye check.

• Lack of clarity at the pupil. The center of the horse’s eye is usually pitch black and clear. A milky appearance may indicate cataracts are forming due to ongoing inflammation.

• A cloudy view of the entire globe. Fungal infections and inflammatory diseases can cause a horse’s eye to take on a cloudy, bluish appearance. If one eye looks less clear than the other, or if both look cloudier than you remember, this is cause for an examination.

This article first appeared in EQUUS Issue #469, October 2016.

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Equine Eye Examination – What to Expect?

Imagine the following scenario: you happily arrive to greet and feed your beloved horse, only to suddenly see him squint and tear out one of his eyes. You try to get a look to see if there is plant matter, maybe a piece of hay, on his eyeball. The closer you get, the more he closes his eye. If this scenario hasn’t resonated with you, consider yourself a lucky horse owner/trainer. For far too many people, this presents a reality that has led to worry and frustration (but hopefully with a happy ending!).

What to do if you notice something is wrong with your horse’s eye? At the first sign of eye discomfort (such as drooping eyelashes, easy tearing, redness, and squinting), you should contact your veterinarian. Not in a week but as soon as possible as some conditions can deteriorate quickly. Your veterinarian can then decide whether or not an examination by a licensed ophthalmologist is recommended.

You may be wondering: is there anything I can do to ensure the best conditions for a horse eye exam? Absolutely! Whether your vet or an ophthalmologist will be examining your horse, you can help find an ideal spot for an eye exam. The eye exam should not be performed outdoors or under bright lighting conditions. On the contrary: A quiet environment (crate or storage) that can be darkened for the examination and well lit for the treatment is ideal. If necessary, the windows should be covered and the barn door closed. Try to find objects that can be used as a headstand (e.g. some hay bales or a large barrel covered with blankets). Most horses (particularly painful ones) will require sedation for examination, which should be administered by a veterinarian (if necessary). The vet will also likely perform an eyelid blockade (anesthetic injection to paralyze the eyelid), which allows the eyelid to open without much force (crucial for brittle eyes). The horse should be wearing its halter, and having a handler hold (but not force) its head on the opposite side of the vet is ideal.

Once the horse is sedated and the nerves blocked, the vet will use a variety of instruments to examine all eye structures: from the eyelids to the retina (the back part of the eyeball). Eye reflexes and reaction to light are also tested to access vision problems. Staining the eye with certain dyes (such as fluorescein – “the green dye”) is also common to determine if there is a scratch or a corneal ulcer. Expect additional tests to be performed based on the findings of the examination, including ocular surface cytology and culture to check for the presence of microorganisms (especially in the case of corneal ulcers or signs of infection), assessment of intraocular pressure (tonometry) for eye inflammation (uveitis, ” moon blindness”) and glaucoma, and ideally an extended eye exam to better visualize the retina (especially if you have vision problems).

Our aim is to ensure a safe experience for your horse and crew and an ideal environment can mean the difference between achieving the correct diagnosis and misinterpreting findings and misdiagnosis. If you have any questions about eye exams or how you can help ensure the ideal conditions for an eye exam, please consult your veterinarian or optometrist.

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question

I have a 9 year old, 1250 pound (566 kg) warmblood crossbreed gelding that I ride 5 times a week, usually show jumping and dressage work. He’s a creepy horse by nature, but I wonder if some of the restless behavior could be due to his diet. He is eating four pounds (1.8 kg) of a KER formulated diet containing corn and timothy/orchard hay. Could the corn be causing the behavior problems?

answers

Some horse owners believe that corn causes excitability or unnecessary exuberance in certain horses. The feed manufacturer you are currently working with also markets a high fat, high fiber feed that contains no grains. I would suggest switching your gelding to this grain free diet and monitoring his behavior for several weeks. The difference in energy levels between these two feeds is tiny, so your horse shouldn’t experience any changes in weight provided you don’t change his feed intake.

Cereal grains provide horses with starch, and certain horses lose a significant amount of energy when starch consumption is minimized. If your gelding becomes too sluggish under saddle, especially for eventing, you can switch back to the original feed or add a small amount of grain-based feed.

The amount of hay you are feeding seems just right. Make sure you give him access to a block of salt.

In addition to a diet change, you may consider a thiamine supplement such as B-Quiet Paste or B-Quiet Powder. Thiamine is important for nerve transmission and carbohydrate metabolism.

Uveitis is a common cause of blindness in horses, but in some ways it remains mysterious. In its recurring form, it can also be persistent. There’s no cure for it yet, but it doesn’t have to be a death sentence for a horse either. Careful management and treatment can help preserve a horse’s sight for longer, and even in cases where an affected eye must be removed, many horses can continue to lead broadly normal, active lives and even have successful competitive careers.

Photo: Manbendu/AdobeStock

Uveitis is inflammation of the eye’s uvea, a layer of tissue that lies between the outer layer of the eye (including the cornea) and its inner layer (the retina), and includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. This tissue is delicate and when inflamed, the effects can be painful.

“The sphincter muscle of the iris contracts and causes the pupil to close, giving you a constricted pupil,” explained Dr. Rana Bozorgmanesh of the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. “The ciliary body muscles spasm and it’s quite painful. And the blood capillaries in those areas also leak, and that releases proteins and cells, which leads to the signs that we’re seeing.”

These signs may include squinting, tearing, sensitivity to light, a swollen or red eye, and/or a cloudy appearance or a bluish haze over the cornea. The whites of the eye may appear bloodshot, or you may see pus or yellow deposits under the cornea in the anterior chamber of the eye. But there are also subclinical cases that may only show subtle symptoms.

“You can basically have smoldering uveitis without even knowing it, with tiny changes in the eye until it reaches a threshold and blinds the eye,” Bozorgmanesh said. “Often horse owners don’t know the disease is there until the horse is blind in these cases. Alternatively, in other cases you will see the obvious clinical signs in the active phases of the disease.”

Causes of Uveitis

Uveitis can occur as a one-off event – caused by trauma to the eye, for example – that may never recur and may not cause future problems. But in the chronic, recurrent form known as equine recurrent uveitis (ERU), or moon blindness, the disease can cause permanent damage and eventual blindness — and it’s this manifestation that horse owners are particularly concerned about.

“Recurrent equine uveitis is the leading cause of equine blindness and progressive disease,” said Bozorgmanesh. Prevalence varies somewhat by horse breed and geographic location, but generally affects between 2% and 25% of the equine population in the United States. “It’s much more common in Appaloosa horses; They are genetic and have a prevalence of up to 25%,” Bozorgmanesh said. “German Warmbloods can also have an inheritable form. As such, it is more commonly seen in warmbloods, draft horses and Appaloosas in general, and some Quarter Horses.”

Eye with chronic signs of uveitis, including iris discoloration and pupillary constriction.

Photo: Courtesy of Dr. Rana Bozorgmanesh

and dr Nathan Slovis

The most common uveitis in the United States is panuveitis, which affects the front of the eye more severely. Posterior uveitis, affecting the fundus including the retina, is more common in Europe, but can also be seen in the United States.

“So people who import warm-blooded animals into the US might see a different type of uveitis,” Bozorgmanesh said.

ERU has been around for a long time.

“Recurrent uveitis used to be called ‘moon blindness,’ a term coined around the 17th century,” Bozorgmanesh explained. “Even then, they noticed that horses had these recurring episodes of eye problems, or what they thought was temporary blindness. At the time, they thought it was related to the phases of the moon. Obviously that’s not the case, but it kind of goes up and down.”

Although horse owners have known about the disease for centuries, its cause is still somewhat unclear.

“It is essentially an autoimmune syndrome that has been linked in some cases to leptospirosis as the causative agent, although this is not 100% true in all cases, or it may simply be that we have not been able to identify leptospirosis in all cases .” said Bozorgmanesh. “So the exact cause of the disease has yet to be discovered. There is a genetic predisposition – in the Appaloosa, for example, it correlates with their coat pattern. Genetic predisposition also affects the immune system. So if you are genetically predisposed to a certain type of immune response, if you have a specific trigger like leptospirosis, it can lead to recurrent uveitis in horses.”

What to do if you suspect uveitis?

Your first step: call your vet immediately.

“It’s important to distinguish uveitis from recurrent uveitis,” Bozorgmanesh said. “There isn’t a single test to find out if it’s ERU or just a single episode. You must have your vet come out to first rule out a primary cause of the uveitis, such as: B. infection, eye ulcer, trauma, all these things that could be the main reason why the horse has developed uveitis. It is better for you and your horse if there is a clear reason the horse has developed uveitis. If it’s just uveitis per se, that’s more concerning because that’s a case that could develop into recurrent uveitis.”

Because recurrent uveitis in horses is progressive and currently has no cure, most horses who develop it eventually become blind in the affected eye.

“There are ways to slow its progression, and we’ve had reasonable success with cases that we’ve been able to follow up,” Bozorgmanesh said. “But unfortunately most of them will go blind in the long term because there is no cure. The prognosis is also worse when ERU is associated with leptospirosis. Studies have shown that where there is evidence that leptospirosis has triggered their ERU, they are more likely to go blind.”

treatment options

There are a number of treatments that can help slow the progression of ERU.

“Even if it’s just an isolated incident, you’ll be treating the horse for several weeks,” Bozorgmanesh said. “So be prepared.”

Eye with multiple signs of uveitis, including constricted pupils, deposits in the anterior chamber (under the cornea), and corneal abnormalities.

Photo: Courtesy of Dr. Rana Bozorgmanesh

and dr Nathan Slovis

The goals of treatment are to reduce inflammation, control pain, minimize the inflammatory mediators that promote the inflammatory response, and then restore the blood-eye barrier — in other words, improve leakage from blood vessels into cells be released the eye.

Treatment options generally include topical and/or systemic NSAIDs (such as Banamin); corticosteroids, which are also anti-inflammatory; and medications to dilate the pupil, which help relieve pain. If there is concern that the horse has leptospirosis infection, your vet may also prescribe a two to four week course of antibiotics such as doxycycline or minocycline.

A device called a subpalpebral lavage catheter can also facilitate treatment. The irrigation system includes a port that attaches to the horse’s mane at the base of the neck and attaches to a long tube that a veterinarian inserts through the horse’s eyelid. The user simply injects the medication into the port, and from there the medication is delivered through the tubing and directly to the surface of the eye. The downside: the catheter cannot stay in the horse’s eye forever, but it can stay there for weeks to months if necessary.

“There are also immunomodulatory drugs that you can try to suppress the immune response that’s happening in the eye,” Bozorgmanesh said. “One of them is cyclosporine, which you can sometimes use as an eye ointment.”

For ERU cases, cyclosporine (particularly cyclosporine A) can also be given via a sustained-release device — a disk that’s surgically implanted in the eye.

“It’s not always easy to get medication in your horse’s eyes,” Bozorgmanesh said. “Of course it depends on your horse, but in these cases you often do it up to four times a day. This is hard work for you and some horses don’t take it well. And their upper eyelid muscles are some of the strongest eyelid muscles out there! So if they don’t want you to put it in their eye, you won’t be able to. The implant helps eliminate that work.”

A Cyclosporin A implant is effective for four years or more, which may also be less expensive in the long term.

If your horse is blinking, jerking, or showing signs of eye discomfort or injury, call your vet immediately.

Photo: bmf-foto.de/AdobeStock

“It’s a surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia,” Bozorgmanesh said of the implantation. “You want a healthy horse to do that. The eye also needs to be “quiet” so you can’t perform the surgery when a major flare-up of uveitis is in progress. You have to treat the eye until the uveitis is better and quieter, and then you can put the implant in.”

In cases where the implant works, Bozorgmanesh said it has been shown to reduce the recurrence of uveitis. It has also been shown to reduce the severity and length of each episode. And it improves treatment response in cases where topical treatment is needed in addition to the implant.

For cases of posterior uveitis, which sometimes occurs in horses imported from Europe, there is another surgical procedure: removal of the vitreous humor (the fluid at the back of the eye). “In this type of uveitis, by removing this fluid, you’re removing the immune mediators, the inflammatory debris — basically anything that drives that immune response,” Bozorgmanesh said.

“This procedure is not believed to help with the more typical panuveitis that we see here in the States,” she added.

Before you treat

Because uveitis treatments like corticosteroids suppress the eye’s immune response, it’s important to be sure your horse doesn’t have an infection or ulcer that could be made worse by treatment before treatment, Bozorgmanesh warned.

“Otherwise, treatment could make things 100 times worse,” she said. “While on steroid treatment you will need to have the eye checked regularly by your veterinarian. They also need to be aware that if at any point the eye suddenly looks more painful, it may be a sign that they have developed an ulcer or something similar that needs immediate attention. In this case, you must discontinue the steroid immediately.

“I always tell people, just because you have a tube of eye ointment in your first aid kit, don’t just pick it up and apply it if your horse’s eye hurts,” she added. “Different diseases require different medications.”

Removal of an affected eye

Horse owners might also consider removing an affected eye.

“There isn’t necessarily a right or wrong thing to do,” Bozorgmanesh said. “ERU is a painful condition for your horse and a challenge for both you and the horse. You must weigh whether removing the eye is best for you and your horse. Each case is individual. If you think your horse is in pain and you can’t control the pain and flare-ups, or if you can’t physically get the medication in the eye as often as needed, you may remove the eye at some point to do the right thing.”

If you decide to have the eye removed surgically, it doesn’t necessarily mean the end of your horse’s activity or even his show career. “Horses adapt very quickly,” Bozorgmanesh said. “It’s nothing to be afraid of. There are many horses out there that live happily ever after with only one eye, and there is still a lot they can do. For most horses, the benefits of living pain-free far outweigh the aesthetic benefits of a sore eye.”

Have you ever heard of moon blindness? No, it’s not the latest Halloween craze, but another name for equine relapsing uveitis (ERU), the leading cause of equine blindness worldwide. Uveitis refers to inflammation of one of the layers lining the back of the eye, and the recurring term indicates the horse has experienced two or more separate bouts of uveitis. Horses can also have an isolated episode of uveitis, recover and never have the disease again. The prospects for a single occurrence of uveitis are significantly more favorable than with ERU, but horse lovers must be aware of both variants.

Why does uveitis occur in horses?

Blunt or penetrating eye injuries, corneal ulcers, cancer, or infectious diseases can all cause an episode of uveitis. Most ERU cases are immune-mediated and occur when the barrier that normally keeps cells away from the eye is permanently disrupted, allowing white blood cells to enter the eye and release products of inflammation. Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection, is one of the leading ERU triggers, although chronic inflammation from other causes and genetic susceptibility may also play a role.

Are some horses more prone to ERU than others?

ERU can occur in any horse breed, age, or sex, but is more commonly seen in middle-aged Appaloosas, draft breeds, Warmbloods, Quarter Horses, and Thoroughbreds. Appaloosas are eight times more likely to develop ERU and four times more likely to go blind compared to other horses, and a link to the leopard pattern has been suggested. The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine is currently studying the genetics of ERU in Appaloosas in hopes of developing a genetic test and better understanding the disease.

If my horse has ERU in one eye, is he likely to have it in the other eye as well?

In Appaloosas, 80% to 85% of ERU cases occur in both eyes, but in other horses that number drops to 50%.

What are the consequences of ERU?

Persistent eye inflammation, cataracts, retinal detachment or other ERU-related sequelae lead to blindness in 56% of horses, and affected horses are also more prone to painful glaucoma (i.e. increased intraocular pressure). Due to changes in the eyes and vision problems, 60% of the affected horses can no longer perform as well.

What Are Some Signs of Uveitis in Horses?

During an outbreak of some ERU types or a single episode of uveitis, your horse may show these signs:

Cloudy cornea

Cloudy appearance of the inner eye

Squint or keep your eyes closed

sensitivity to light

eye pain

Constricted pupil

eye discharge

Never use leftover medication to treat a suspected new uveitis or flare-up of your horse’s existing ERU without first consulting our Veterinary Vision Center team. Corneal ulcers, eye injuries, or foreign objects in the eye can also cause these signs and can get worse when mistakenly treated with ERU drugs.

Due to the smoldering sustained damage from ERU, your horse may also exhibit more subtle changes, such as:

cataract formation

change in eye color

Malformed pupil

Reduced or absent eyesight

Shrinking or wrinkled appearance of the eyes

How is my horse diagnosed with uveitis?

dr Pierce, our board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist, can diagnose uveitis using the following tests:

Eye exam – Dr. Pierce will use a handheld microscope to magnify the front of the eye, apply fluorescein stain to check for corneal ulcers, measure intraocular pressure, assess your horse’s vision, and use dilating drops and special lenses to view the back of the eye. Abnormalities in these tests can help confirm his suspicion that your horse has uveitis.

Blood test – Dr. Pierce may order a complete blood count and chemistry panel to look for underlying signs of illness.

Leptospirosis Test – In some cases, Dr. Pierce your horse for exposure to leptospirosis, a leading ERU trigger.

What can be done against uveitis and ERU?

Treatment of uveitis relies heavily on topical or systemic steroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce ocular inflammation. Horses also benefit from medication to dilate the pupil and reduce the likelihood of adhesions between ocular structures, and antibiotics can be used to treat confirmed cases of leptospirosis. A single case of uveitis is likely to resolve with treatment, but horses with ERU often require ongoing therapy to control their pain, reduce inflammation, and preserve their vision for as long as possible. Some horses benefit from an intraocular device that controls ERU for several years by releasing the drug cyclosporine, which calms the eye’s inappropriate immune response. as soon as dr Once Pierce has diagnosed your horse with uveitis or ERU, he will work with you to determine the right course of treatment.

If your horse is suffering from uveitis, ERU or any other problem, do not hesitate to contact the Veterinary Vision Center where your horse’s comfort and vision are our top priority.

Good to know Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU or moon blindness) is the most common cause of vision loss in horses.

ERU is likely a complex autoimmune disease influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.

The disease is more common in some breeds, with Appaloosas being 8 times more likely to develop ERU than other breeds studied. The LP genetic test can be used to assess ERU risk in Appaloosas.

Infectious organisms, particularly Leptospira spp., have been associated with ERU.

There is currently no cure for ERU. *Download a printable version of this article here.

What is recurrent uveitis in horses?

Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU), also known as moon blindness, is the leading cause of blindness in horses worldwide. It affects 2-25% of horses worldwide, with 56% of affected horses eventually going blind. More than 60% of affected horses are unable to return to their previous level of performance. ERU is most commonly characterized by repeated episodes of inflammation of the eye’s uveal tract (middle layer), affecting one or both eyes. A subclinical manifestation known as insidious uveitis does not present as externally painful episodes, but instead is consistent, low-grade (non-episodic) inflammation that causes cumulative damage to the eye. Cumulative damage caused by ERU can lead to cataracts, glaucoma, and eventually blindness. Although not all horses suffering a single episode of uveitis will develop ERU, they are at risk of developing the disease.

Equine recurrent uveitis is believed to be a complex autoimmune disease influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Appaloosa horses are particularly prone to ERU and especially bilateral disease, suggesting that genetics play a significant role in ERU risk in this breed. Appaloosas are 8 times more likely to develop ERU than other breeds and are significantly more likely to go blind in one or both eyes. Genetic studies have identified LP, the allele that causes the white spot pattern, as an ERU risk factor in the breed, with homozygotes at highest risk (LP/LP). However, not all homozygotes are affected, and work is continuing to uncover other genetic risk factors (both genetic and non-genetic). Other breeds with a high incidence of ERU in the United States include American Quarter Horse, Thoroughbred, Warmblood, Hanoverian, and American Paint Horse. Genetic studies also identified genomic loci associated with the disease in warmbloods and Icelandic horses, but genetic testing for these breeds is not currently available.

Infectious organisms, particularly Leptospira spp., have also been implicated in ERU. An increased incidence of complications and vision loss has been reported in ERU-affected horses associated with leptospirosis, particularly Appaloosas. The precise mechanisms by which Leptospira spp. cause ERU are unknown. Higher prevalence rates of ERU are reported in tropical, temperate climates than in dry, arid climates. This may be due to differences in Leptospira spp. be attributable to the environment.

There is currently no cure for ERU.

What are the clinical signs of recurrent uveitis in horses?

Episodes of redness, tearing, and squinting can be early indicators of eye problems. Recurrent uveitis in horses can affect one or both eyes and cause more severe symptoms in one eye than the other eye. The disease tends to increase in severity with repeated episodes. However, the insidious form often does not show externally painful episodes.

The disease is divided into 3 syndromes:

Classic – This form is the most common and is characterized by periods of apparently painful, active inflammation of the eye(s) separated from periods of no or little inflammation. The repeated attacks often lead to vision loss. Breeds that are predisposed to this form include warmbloods and Icelandic horses.

Insidious – Horses with insidious ERU typically have persistent, low-grade inflammation in the eyes. The condition is often not externally painful, but causes gradual destruction of eye tissue and degeneration of structures in the eye, resulting in loss of vision. This form is most common in Appaloosas and has been observed in draft breeds.

Posterior – Posterior ERU is characterized by inflammation of structures at the back of the eye (vitreous, retina, choroid). Retinal degeneration is common and this form is most commonly seen in warmbloods and draft breeds.

How is recurrent uveitis in horses diagnosed?

Diagnosis of ERU is based on clinical and ophthalmologic examinations and a history of documented recurrent or persistent inflammation in one or both eyes. It is important to examine the front (front) and back (back) parts of the eye to identify signs consistent with ERU and rule out other eye disorders. A fluorescein stain can be used to assess the condition of the cornea and distinguish it from other eye diseases. A complete blood count (CBC) and serum biochemistry, along with serological testing for Leptospira spp. be performed.

Common eye exam findings associated with ERU include corneal edema, aqueous stains, posterior synechia, corpora nigra atrophy, cataract formation, vitreous degeneration, retinal edema or degeneration.

How is recurrent uveitis treated in horses?

Treatment for ERU focuses on eliminating or reducing inflammation in the eyes, preserving vision, relieving pain, and minimizing the recurrence of episodes of inflammation. Topical corticosteroids (prednisolone, dexamethasone), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (flurbiprofen, diclofenac, suprofen, bromfenac), and mydriatics (atropine) are used to reduce inflammation and minimize damage during an active episode. However, these treatments are not necessarily effective in preventing the disease from recurring.

Injections of corticosteroids (methylprednisolone, gentamicin, or triamcinolone) into the eye(s) are used to treat severe cases. Systemic medications include NSAIDs (flunixin meglumine, phenylbutazone) and corticosteroids (dexamethasone, prednisolone).

Surgical options for treating ERU are the suprachoroidal cyclosporine implant and core vitrectomy. The Cyclosporine Implant is a sustained-release device that provides therapeutic doses of Cyclosporine A for up to 3 years after implantation. This approach has been shown to successfully control inflammation and minimize recurrence. In core vitrectomy, which is performed under general anesthesia, the nucleus of the vitreous is removed to remove debris (including organisms such as Leptospira spp.) trapped in vitreous fluids. The fluid is then replaced with saline. This approach can improve vision, minimize episodes, and delay the progression of clinical symptoms.

Enucleation (removal of the eye) is recommended for ERU-affected eyes that are painful or blind.

What is the prognosis for recurrent uveitis in horses?

Early diagnosis and intervention are associated with the best prognosis for ERU-affected horses. The long-term prognosis is cautious. Current treatments can slow the progression of inflammation in the eye, but are not curative. More than 60% of affected horses are unable to return to previous levels of work, and about 56% of ERU-affected horses eventually go blind. ERU-affected horses with glaucoma or cataracts are more likely to go blind and also require removal of the affected eye (enucleation).

How can recurrent uveitis in horses be prevented?

Genetic risks for ERU have been reported in Appaloosas (insidious ERU) and German Warmbloods (posterior ERU). The risk of ERU in Appaloosas can be assessed using the LP genetic test. Horses with two copies of the LP mutation (homozygous LP/LP) are at higher risk of developing ERU than horses without a leopard pattern (N/N). It is important to note that research is needed to determine whether the LP mutation is responsible for ERU, or whether LP is simply inherited along with the causal mutation (i.e., located nearby on the DNA). However, horses testing for LP/LP should have their eyes examined frequently by a veterinary ophthalmologist for early detection and treatment if inflammation is detected.

For more informations:

UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory Genetic Testing for Leopard Complex (Appaloosa spotting).

Hack, Y., de Linde Henriksen, M., Holberg Pihl, T., Krarup Nielsen, R., Dwyer, AE, Bellone, R.R. 2022. A genetic study of equine recurrent uveitis in the Icelandic horse breed. Animal Genetics 53:436-440.

de Linde Henriksen, M., Dwyer, AE, Krarup Nielsen, R., Dahlmann Christensen, N., Holberg Pihl, T. 2021. Ocular abnormalities in the Icelandic horse with a focus on equine recurrent uveitis 112 Icelandic horses living in Denmark and 26 Icelandic horses living in Denmark live in the United States. Veterinary Ophthalmology 00: 1–15.

H Rockwell, M Mack, T Famula, L Sandmeyer, B Bauer, A Dwyer, M Lassaline, S Beeson, S Archer, M McCue, Bellone, R.R. 2019. Genetic study of recurrent uveitis in Appaloosa horses. Animal Genetics 51:111-116.

Saldinger LK, Nelson SG, Bellone RR, Lassaline M, Mack M, Walker NJ, Borjesson DL. 2019. Horses with recurrent equine uveitis have an activated CD4+ T cell phenotype that can be modulated by mesenchymal stem cells in vitro. Veterinary Ophthalmology 23(1): 160-170.

Fritz, KL, Kaese, HJ, Valberg, SJ, Hendrickson, JA, Rendahl, AK, Bellone, RR, Dynes, KM, Wagner, ML, Lucio, MA, Cuomo, FM, Brinkmeyer-Langford, Cl, Skow, LC, Mickelson JR, Rutherford MS, McCue ME 2014. Genetic risk factors for insidious recurrent uveitis in Appaloosa horses. Animal Genetics 45(3): 392-399.

Split

Diet affects behavior. That makes sense. A well-fed horse is healthy. And a healthy horse feels good. Conversely, a poorly fed horse suffers. Fluctuations in hormone levels, for example, can temporarily affect how your horse sees the world.

Think of yourself – if you eat too much sugar, for example, you may have a surge of energy followed by the need to take a nap. Or you get sick in the stomach. Too much sugar can also cause nausea in horses. And they’ve certainly been known to exhibit “sugar peaks and troughs,” which are caused by a sudden spike in blood sugar levels after a high-sugar/starchy meal, only to slow down once all the excess sugar is dumped for storage or in fat was converted. But it’s important to note that not every horse responds the same to a diet high in carbohydrates (sugars and starches). In fact, there is little scientific evidence to support this. However, many horse owners will attest negative behavioral responses to their own horses and will therefore avoid feeding anything containing starchy grains or sweetened with molasses.

There are many good reasons to avoid high-sugar and high-starch diets, which are beyond the scope of this article. But what alternative does a horse owner have in terms of behavior if the horse simply needs more calories? Hay and grass just can’t provide enough energy (calories) to meet the extra demands that come from exercise, work, and performance.

The answer is bold.

Gram for gram, fat provides more than twice as many calories as carbohydrates (or proteins). And it’s easy to digest. But there is an added bonus!

Fat has a calming effect on horse behavior.

In one study, researchers at Virginia Polytechnic Institute** found that horses fed a high-fat diet were less responsive to surprise stimuli and were less excitable and more anxious than horses fed a more traditional, grain-based diet. The horses in their experiment received 15% of total calories from fat, which is high for most horses. However, it shows that if you have a sensitive horse that is easily aroused by everyday activities, Fett is worth a try. (Please note: ponies, minis, donkeys and mules should not be fed a high-fat diet.)

What kind of fat?

All fats have the same number of calories, regardless of the source. However, from a health standpoint, it’s best to avoid animal fats and oils that have too many omega-6 fatty acids (which increase inflammation) relative to omega-3 fatty acids (which have anti-inflammatory effects). Oils high in monounsaturated fat are a good source because they neither increase nor decrease inflammation.

Below are some commonly fed oils:

Oil Notes Flaxseed oil 4:1 omega 3 to omega 6 (ideal choice) Soybean oil Only 7% omega 3 and mostly omega 6 Corn oil No omega 3 and more omega 6 than soybean oil (worst choice) Canola oil 10% omega 3 and relatively low omega-6 -fatty acids. Also contains monounsaturated fatty acids (no harmful effect on inflammation) Soy Lecithin 4% omega-3 fatty acids, but also contains choline, a component of neurotransmitters Rice Bran Oil Only 1% omega-3 fatty acids, but low in omega-6 fatty acids and rich of monounsaturated fatty acids

How much?

I prefer to limit fat intake to no more than 10% of total calories, although some athletes eat up to 20%. For the lightly trained 500 kg (1100 lb) mature horse, the National Research Council recommends at least 20 Mcals per day to maintain body condition. Ten percent would be 2 Mcals per day from fat. One cup (8 fluid ounces or 240 ml) of oil meets this requirement. It weighs 240 grams and provides 2.16 Mcals with 9 kcal/g. When adding any amount of oil to your horse’s feed, start with a small amount (e.g. 1 tablespoon or 15ml). Most horses don’t like oily feed, but more importantly, it takes several weeks for the horse’s cells to get used to metabolizing more fat.

summary

Short attention span, restlessness, reluctance to work, over-sensitivity and alertness to the environment, irritability, and “hot” behavior can be reduced by adding fat to the diet. Fat is high in calories, so limit the amount you feed based on the horse’s weight and calorie needs. Omega-3 fatty acids need to be in balance with omega-6 fatty acids, so choose oils carefully. Finally, build the intake you want by starting slow and building up over 4 to 6 weeks.

question

I have a 9 year old, 1250 pound (566 kg) warmblood crossbreed gelding that I ride 5 times a week, usually show jumping and dressage work. He’s a creepy horse by nature, but I wonder if some of the restless behavior could be due to his diet. He is eating four pounds (1.8 kg) of a KER formulated diet containing corn and timothy/orchard hay. Could the corn be causing the behavior problems?

answers

Some horse owners believe that corn causes excitability or unnecessary exuberance in certain horses. The feed manufacturer you are currently working with also markets a high fat, high fiber feed that contains no grains. I would suggest switching your gelding to this grain free diet and monitoring his behavior for several weeks. The difference in energy levels between these two feeds is tiny, so your horse shouldn’t experience any changes in weight provided you don’t change his feed intake.

Cereal grains provide horses with starch, and certain horses lose a significant amount of energy when starch consumption is minimized. If your gelding becomes too sluggish under saddle, especially for eventing, you can switch back to the original feed or add a small amount of grain-based feed.

The amount of hay you are feeding seems just right. Make sure you give him access to a block of salt.

In addition to a diet change, you may consider a thiamine supplement such as B-Quiet Paste or B-Quiet Powder. Thiamine is important for nerve transmission and carbohydrate metabolism.

summary

This is a very general statement, but one I hear quite often from my clients. My first task is to involve the horse owner in taking a thorough medical history and asking as many relevant questions as necessary to gather more specific information.

Occasionally a horse will behave in mysterious or atypical ways, a personality shift that is difficult to describe. Changes in the environment, new handlers, riders or management can contribute to an obvious personality change. Physical problems can also manifest themselves as atypical behavior. Behavior can include aggression towards horses or people, depression, eating less than usual, misbehaving under saddle, or dozens of other variations.

Behavior is primarily controlled by the forebrain. Forebrain disease can therefore cause all sorts of behavioral changes, depending on the specifics of the condition. Forebrain function can be affected by diseases of the brain itself, toxins in the blood, low blood sugar, blood loss, and liver dysfunction, among many other problems.

Hormonal changes in stallions and mares affect behavior. Pain also causes behavioral changes. If there’s a possibility that physical issues could be contributing to the behavior change, your veterinarian may be able to help rule them out. If your vet has ruled out physical causes and you are unsure about identifying and changing the behavior, you may want to seek help from a qualified trainer.

Runaway train

Being on the back of a runaway horse is like being on a runaway train – you are at the mercy of a large, powerful entity over which you have no control. Horses bolt for a number of reasons: they get scared, they’re mad, they figured it’s a way to get away from work, etc. Some horses have found that when they bolt, their riders make a one-rein stop You and they come to rest. Cold-blooded and lazy horses quickly realize what makes them unemployed.

A rein for control

When you find yourself on the back of a runaway horse, knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing how to handle the situation safely. When most people are on a runaway horse, they panic and pull back on two reins to try to stop the horse. At the same time, their whole body tenses and they squeeze the sides of the horse with their legs. Curling into this fetal position causes the horse to feel trapped and claustrophobic. The horse is already using the reactive side of its brain, and when the rider holds it down in this way, it closely resembles a predator jumping on its back and digging in its claws.

As a prey animal, the horse has a flight or fight response and if robbed of its ability to run, it will do whatever it takes to survive the situation by bucking, rearing, kicking, etc. What most people don’t realize is that they Be more in control of a panicked or out of control horse with just one rein. In fact, I have a saying that I tell people: A rein for softness and control; two reins to be killed. Why use one rein instead of two to control a horse? Using two reins makes a horse feel trapped and it is very easy for him to gain leverage by lifting his head and neck up and pushing against the rein pressure you are putting on his face. With just one rein, you can get the horse to bend its head and neck sideways, causing its hindquarters to give way.